The Temptations is clearly one of the finest music miniseries ever made.The casting is great all of the men(some of whom were unknowns) are great in the film, but the scene stealers is Leon as the group's lead singer David Ruffin. The songs and script are very good and the film is very heartbreaking in some moments. But all in all a great music movie.
67 Reviews
pretty good
winner554 November 2008
The camera work has the usual claustrophobic box look of most television films. The editing is incredibly choppy, and the continuity is really awful sometimes. There are also clichés in abundance - David Ruffin getting tossed out of a car is pure detective-show melodrama, but doesn't really resolve the whole Ruffin problem in the film. And there's plenty of lag-time, especially in the second half.
All that said, the story is surprisingly very strong, the characters fascinating, the performances energetic, and the music is very well presented. The sense of the historical change of context surrounding the characters is also accurate and convincing, although played quietly (actually works better that way).
The first half especially is a treat. A strong effort to do the group, its music, and its history justice.
All that said, the story is surprisingly very strong, the characters fascinating, the performances energetic, and the music is very well presented. The sense of the historical change of context surrounding the characters is also accurate and convincing, although played quietly (actually works better that way).
The first half especially is a treat. A strong effort to do the group, its music, and its history justice.
Long live the Temptations
DarthBill1 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Colorful looking TV miniseries about the life and times of the Motown super group known as the Temptations, arguably the greatest group to have come out of the Motown era, specifically focusing on the "Classic 5" line up: Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams (no relation to Otis) who, at the peak of their popularity, could win over any audience. But fame & fortune came at a price, as each of these five young men would learn the hard way. And when push came to shove, when the pressure of living in the spotlight got to be too much, tempers flared, egos clashed, giving rise to rivalries that threatened to destroy the group. Throughout it all, from tragedy to triumph - and there was plenty of both - these gifted singers still forged one of the greatest musical legacies the world has ever known.
Adapted from the autobiography by Otis Williams, the group's De facto leader and the only surviving founding member, the film comes from his perspective and focuses a great deal on him and his best friend, the group's bass singer Melvin Franklin. So naturally, we are probably meant to sympathize with him most and Melvin (let's face, nobody sees themselves as a bad person and even when admitting their faults, they'll only make themselves out to be so bad). The once lovably laid back and very funny David Ruffin is predictably portrayed in an unflattering light once his ego inflates to paramount proportions after fame goes to his head, which understandably upsets his family and relatives to the point that they sued Otis Williams and the film's production company, because lets face it, no one likes to see their son/brother/father/grandfather/uncle portrayed in such a way, regardless of what his personal habits may have been. Hell, David Ruffin is more or less the poster child for how fame/success can ruin a man, and his own life became so wrought with problems (ranging from ego management to the painful cocaine addiction that eventually destroyed him) that you could probably make an entire film focused solely on him. It really is a shame that the real Ruffin wasted what little time he was going to have with his ego and personal problems getting in the way of his career, because he was a great singer and a great showman. Also sad to see is the tragic fate that befell Paul Williams, who's alcoholism (brought on in part by sickle cell anemia, which the film fails to mention) also got in the way of both his career and his life, which came to an end at 34 (Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin and Melvin Franklin all made to at least 50).
The film does not really give much focus to Dennis Edwards, the large, powerfully built Contours singer who replaced David Ruffin as the group's lead singer in the late 1960s, leading them through the psychedelic, funk and disco periods, and little is said of the problems that later arose between him and Otis Williams, though they do give screen time to his anger over being asked to sing the first verse of "Papa Was A Rolling Stone", since his own father died really died on the 3rd of September.
Naturally, there are liberties taken to fit the running time. Perhaps the most offensive liberty taking concerns the death of Melvin Franklin - in the film Melvin is shown dying while visiting his mother with Otis, when in reality Melvin died in a hospital after slipping into a coma. This was reportedly done because the miniseries was put together not long after Melvin had died and it was just too personal for them to really face. Another inaccuracy is that Dennis Edwards is shown touring with Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin before the group' reunion tour in the early 1980s, when in reality he didn't start touring with them until after the group was inducted into the rock & roll hall of fame in the late 80s. On top of that, Kendricks and Ruffin didn't start touring together until after the reunion tour. How many other liberties are taken is anyone's guess, though the film remains entertaining and still gives an overall general overview of the group's history while also serving to showcase the group's music to a new generation.
Adapted from the autobiography by Otis Williams, the group's De facto leader and the only surviving founding member, the film comes from his perspective and focuses a great deal on him and his best friend, the group's bass singer Melvin Franklin. So naturally, we are probably meant to sympathize with him most and Melvin (let's face, nobody sees themselves as a bad person and even when admitting their faults, they'll only make themselves out to be so bad). The once lovably laid back and very funny David Ruffin is predictably portrayed in an unflattering light once his ego inflates to paramount proportions after fame goes to his head, which understandably upsets his family and relatives to the point that they sued Otis Williams and the film's production company, because lets face it, no one likes to see their son/brother/father/grandfather/uncle portrayed in such a way, regardless of what his personal habits may have been. Hell, David Ruffin is more or less the poster child for how fame/success can ruin a man, and his own life became so wrought with problems (ranging from ego management to the painful cocaine addiction that eventually destroyed him) that you could probably make an entire film focused solely on him. It really is a shame that the real Ruffin wasted what little time he was going to have with his ego and personal problems getting in the way of his career, because he was a great singer and a great showman. Also sad to see is the tragic fate that befell Paul Williams, who's alcoholism (brought on in part by sickle cell anemia, which the film fails to mention) also got in the way of both his career and his life, which came to an end at 34 (Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin and Melvin Franklin all made to at least 50).
The film does not really give much focus to Dennis Edwards, the large, powerfully built Contours singer who replaced David Ruffin as the group's lead singer in the late 1960s, leading them through the psychedelic, funk and disco periods, and little is said of the problems that later arose between him and Otis Williams, though they do give screen time to his anger over being asked to sing the first verse of "Papa Was A Rolling Stone", since his own father died really died on the 3rd of September.
Naturally, there are liberties taken to fit the running time. Perhaps the most offensive liberty taking concerns the death of Melvin Franklin - in the film Melvin is shown dying while visiting his mother with Otis, when in reality Melvin died in a hospital after slipping into a coma. This was reportedly done because the miniseries was put together not long after Melvin had died and it was just too personal for them to really face. Another inaccuracy is that Dennis Edwards is shown touring with Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin before the group' reunion tour in the early 1980s, when in reality he didn't start touring with them until after the group was inducted into the rock & roll hall of fame in the late 80s. On top of that, Kendricks and Ruffin didn't start touring together until after the reunion tour. How many other liberties are taken is anyone's guess, though the film remains entertaining and still gives an overall general overview of the group's history while also serving to showcase the group's music to a new generation.
Genius is in this film
murf35319 December 2004
Watching this film on network TV had me mesmerized in the 90's. A few months ago when we finally got a DVD player, well, we had to have films to watch. I only bought one that day. The Temptations. The film made me research the group and photos of them, but I expected to see the actors faces instead of the real faces of the Temps. All of the people who worked on this film did a masterful job in bringing to the world a story of some young men that filled the world with music and joy. The story of how they did this was never known, but now that the film is available, everybody and anybody who loves music must see this film. Overlooked is was, but brilliant it will always be. Whether you liked the group or not, whether you liked their music or not, you should take 3 hours of your life and watch how the passion for excellence permeated the souls of a group brilliant musicians. The film is enthralling, the acting superb, and the story is as beautiful as it is tragic. I wish I had known them, but except for Otis, they are lost to the ages. The Temptations is a film for all young people to see if they want to pursue a career as a musician. It is one of the most magnificent stories of music and life and dreams that has ever, or will ever be made. We are so fortunate the Temptations gave us their soul and love and life. They are almost all gone, but the joy and music they gave us will outlive us all. Buy it, rent it, or borrow it, but watch this film. There is genius in this film.
"Wonderfully acted depiction of the greatest soul group in history.
MovieMarauder29 June 2001
I was delighted by this movie. Not only is it largely educational and offers very introspective looks into the lives of all members of the group, but the acting is fantastic. The film truly captures the soul music scene of early 1960's Detroit, and further on as the Temptations rise to fame, and fall to ruin. It offers breathtaking and somewhat disturbing scenes which make the film seem almost too real. The soundtrack is amazing, and you will truly sympathize with this group of real-life legends who sang their hearts out in Motown's heyday.
Fantastic doesn't even begin to describe this movie!!!
jamie-3079 May 2005
"The Temptations" mini-series was an excellent film!! Terron Brooks(Eddie Kendricks), DB Woodside(Melvin Franklin), Charles Malik Whitfield(Otis Williams), Christian Payton(Paul Williams), and Leon(David Ruffin) do a fantastic job of portraying the fabulous five! This movie is based on Otis Williams' book and the storyline is incredible. Once I saw it for the first time, I was definitely hooked on it. Now I watch it at least once a week. I can't get the songs out of my head, and I am now an even bigger fan of The Temptations. The cool thing about it is that Brooks, Payton, and Woodside are actually singing the parts! I would recommend this movie to any music lover!!
fantastic representation of the history of the temptations
drewk2113 January 2007
This movie was great. It told th story of the temptations in a very realistic and comprehensive way. The lives of one of the original Motown legend was wonderfully depicted in this movie. The five members (Paul Williams, Otis Williams , Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, and bassist Melvin Blue Franklin lived remarkable lives. Fighting through the segregated southern stats and minimal opportunities, they fought to achieve greatness. In addition to the fantastic acting in this film, viewers can also appreciate th wonderful music made by the temptations, Smokie Robinson, and Barry Gordy. This movie will give you a memorable experience and will leave you wanting more.
FANTASTIC, NEVER SEEN A BETTER MOVIE
janebse21 July 2002
Unforgettable music, music that fits any time period. A dramatic plot that keeps moving. And the actors are fantastic. They fit their roles so well I could not believe they were acting. It didn't hurt that each actor resembled his real-life counterpart. It was terrific in every sense.
I love this Movie!
ripcurlsufr9630 September 2006
I have seen thousands and thousands of movies and own 400 DVD and this is my favorite its the best movie ever.It is simply amazing what these guys went through especially Otis its amazing. Some of the best writing I have seen in a long time and great directing. This movie was so powerful it could make the roughest toughest guy come down in tear such an amazing great movie that deserves 20 Emmy and 50 Oscars this never became to big but I'm trying to get this movie out its so great to come watch this movie and listen to some of the best music ever written the singing is great I don't know if they lip'sync or sung because each one was amazing. I recommend everyone to come and see this movie buy it or rent it.
"But I'm a singer now. That's just the way it is." - Otis Williams
classicsoncall21 October 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I got a chance to see the present day Temptations in concert just this past August, and have been on the lookout for a copy of this movie which I've known about for a long time but just never had the chance to see. This past weekend it turned up on the VHS1 cable channel and I had to decide if the two and a half hour run time would be worth sitting through as it was turned into a four hour endurance test with commercial breaks. For the most part, I would say it was time well spent, with great music and an inside look at how the group formed and went through it's history of personnel changes.
I'll have to agree with some of the other posters on this board; since the book by Otis Williams formed the basis for this movie treatment I'm sure much of what appears is preferential to Williams himself. But over all, the picture seems to offer a reasonable treatment of the diverse personalities that formed the original group and later on, some of the replacement members. For me, David Ruffin is the voice of the Temps, but I never realized how his aura of self importance led to an early departure. Throughout the ordeals the group went through with Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams, I had to admire Otis Williams' philosophy that no one member was bigger than the group.
What was really cool for me was seeing how the early 1960's Motown sound came into being with the backdrop of Hitsville U.S.A. and all those great personalities in proximity with each other, never knowing who would make it and who wouldn't. Martha Reeves working the switchboard, that was a blast! Smokey Robinson coming up with hit after hit and Berry Gordy sizing up the talent. On top of that, you get a sense that the Motown sound helped break down barriers between the races which was a great thing to see.
What I did know at the time but completely forgot about until seeing the film was how for a time there were actually two groups using the name Temptations when Ruffin and Kendricks struck out on their own with new members. The picture doesn't venture into or try to explain any of the legalities involved with copyrights and such, so that would be interesting to research. The other thing, if you were around for the Temptations from the beginning, you'll notice that their big hits weren't presented in chronological order in the film. For example, 'I Wish it Would Rain' was recorded before 'Psychedelic Shack', but the picture used the songs to complement what was going on in the personal lives of the band at times instead of following their release date. That was a small departure from historical accuracy that doesn't take away from one's enjoyment of the picture.
Regardless, if you're a Temptations fan, you really need to see the picture for an inside look at what hopefully is a fairly accurate account of the group. To me, they were the embodiment of the Motown sound and my favorite Motown group, and every time one of their early songs comes on the radio, I just have to join in.
I'll have to agree with some of the other posters on this board; since the book by Otis Williams formed the basis for this movie treatment I'm sure much of what appears is preferential to Williams himself. But over all, the picture seems to offer a reasonable treatment of the diverse personalities that formed the original group and later on, some of the replacement members. For me, David Ruffin is the voice of the Temps, but I never realized how his aura of self importance led to an early departure. Throughout the ordeals the group went through with Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams, I had to admire Otis Williams' philosophy that no one member was bigger than the group.
What was really cool for me was seeing how the early 1960's Motown sound came into being with the backdrop of Hitsville U.S.A. and all those great personalities in proximity with each other, never knowing who would make it and who wouldn't. Martha Reeves working the switchboard, that was a blast! Smokey Robinson coming up with hit after hit and Berry Gordy sizing up the talent. On top of that, you get a sense that the Motown sound helped break down barriers between the races which was a great thing to see.
What I did know at the time but completely forgot about until seeing the film was how for a time there were actually two groups using the name Temptations when Ruffin and Kendricks struck out on their own with new members. The picture doesn't venture into or try to explain any of the legalities involved with copyrights and such, so that would be interesting to research. The other thing, if you were around for the Temptations from the beginning, you'll notice that their big hits weren't presented in chronological order in the film. For example, 'I Wish it Would Rain' was recorded before 'Psychedelic Shack', but the picture used the songs to complement what was going on in the personal lives of the band at times instead of following their release date. That was a small departure from historical accuracy that doesn't take away from one's enjoyment of the picture.
Regardless, if you're a Temptations fan, you really need to see the picture for an inside look at what hopefully is a fairly accurate account of the group. To me, they were the embodiment of the Motown sound and my favorite Motown group, and every time one of their early songs comes on the radio, I just have to join in.
You Can Be What You Wanna Be . . . .
sundayatdusk-978597 February 2024
This movie has a great start. Teenager Otis Wlliams is running to a movie theatre to see a live music show where the Cadillacs are preforming: "Well now, they often call me Speedoo, but my real name is Mr. Earl." Like most songs in this movie, the full song is sang and Otis Williams is mesmerized by the Cadillacs. He wants to be a singer, not a construction worker, like his father expects him to be. He wants a Tony Curtis type hairstyle.
It's 1950s Detroit and Motown has yet to take off. When it does, Mr. Williams and his fellow bandmates will eventually be part of the Motown sound. They would be known as the Temptations. Not only was their singing great, but so was their dancing. (I watched them on TV as a kid and never even thought about the dancing!)
This film includes lots of great songs and dance steps. I only wished there were more psychedelic hits, as opposed to the slower, mushy ones. Fortunately, there is a great version of "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone". (I didn't even remember they were the ones who sang that song, and I was a radio junkie as a teenager!)
The way the story of the group was told was fine most of the time, but got confusing in the second part of the mini-series. When I chose to watch the movie at Tubi, I didn't even notice it was a two-part mini-series, so was really confused when the first part ended how it did. What a strange ending to the movie! Fortunately, when the credits were rolling, I didn't turn off the TV, as I normally do at the end of a movie, and the second part soon started.
The main problem with the second part is it's one sad or tragic thing after another. It was such a difference from the lively, fun first part. Not that all the tragic events weren't true, but it was basically like one long downer. Also, it got confusing at times who was who when band members kept changing.
Melvin Franklin was my favorite, but there is nothing on his personal life, except his close relationship with his mother. His funeral in the film is incredibly sad. Lots of things in the second part of the mini-series are sad. That left me with mixed feelings about the series, which is why my star rating isn't higher.
It's 1950s Detroit and Motown has yet to take off. When it does, Mr. Williams and his fellow bandmates will eventually be part of the Motown sound. They would be known as the Temptations. Not only was their singing great, but so was their dancing. (I watched them on TV as a kid and never even thought about the dancing!)
This film includes lots of great songs and dance steps. I only wished there were more psychedelic hits, as opposed to the slower, mushy ones. Fortunately, there is a great version of "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone". (I didn't even remember they were the ones who sang that song, and I was a radio junkie as a teenager!)
The way the story of the group was told was fine most of the time, but got confusing in the second part of the mini-series. When I chose to watch the movie at Tubi, I didn't even notice it was a two-part mini-series, so was really confused when the first part ended how it did. What a strange ending to the movie! Fortunately, when the credits were rolling, I didn't turn off the TV, as I normally do at the end of a movie, and the second part soon started.
The main problem with the second part is it's one sad or tragic thing after another. It was such a difference from the lively, fun first part. Not that all the tragic events weren't true, but it was basically like one long downer. Also, it got confusing at times who was who when band members kept changing.
Melvin Franklin was my favorite, but there is nothing on his personal life, except his close relationship with his mother. His funeral in the film is incredibly sad. Lots of things in the second part of the mini-series are sad. That left me with mixed feelings about the series, which is why my star rating isn't higher.
It was the 3rd of September
estelle5817 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This popped up in my YT suggestions. Once I started, I could not stop, this is excellent!
Of course, I have heard of the Temptations, and recognized most of the songs in this biopic, but never thought too much about this group, and did not even know the band members names. In fact, the only name I recognized (did not know he was in the group) is Eddie Kendricks, because of his song "Keep On Truckin".
"Papa Was A Rolling Stone" first words are poignant for me as well as they are for Dennis Edwards. My "daddy" also passed on September 3rd.
Anyway, it is hard to put into words how good this is. Even if you were never a fan of this fabulous group, you may become one after watching this, I know I have.
Of course, I have heard of the Temptations, and recognized most of the songs in this biopic, but never thought too much about this group, and did not even know the band members names. In fact, the only name I recognized (did not know he was in the group) is Eddie Kendricks, because of his song "Keep On Truckin".
"Papa Was A Rolling Stone" first words are poignant for me as well as they are for Dennis Edwards. My "daddy" also passed on September 3rd.
Anyway, it is hard to put into words how good this is. Even if you were never a fan of this fabulous group, you may become one after watching this, I know I have.
Entertaining, but seems VERY disingenuous....
lotus_chief6 November 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a 28 year old who happens to have an old soul; and LOVE the classic R&B of the 60s, 70s & 80s. Therefore, it was only a matter of time before I watched The Temptations. After watching it, however, I must say that it left a bad taste in my mouth. Obviously, I wasn't around during this time so I don't even have a story/rumor of my own to compare to what's portrayed here. But seeing that Otis Williams is the only surviving original member, that it's based on the book that he wrote, and that he's one of the executive producers of this film...there's a HUGE slant in his favor; making this film very disingenuous.
The other people involved in this story, including Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, and Paul Williams, obviously can't defend themselves or tell their side of the story; so anything shown here has to be taken with a grain of salt. Otis comes off as a complete saint. Oh, okay.....so he cheated on his wife; compared to everybody else's problems that's nothing. Not to trivialize adultery one bit, the image being portrayed here about him being the glue that kept the group together, and him being the level head throughout....I could not help but be VERY skeptical about what I was seeing. I must say that it left a pretty bad taste in my mouth. I know everything about "artistic license" and whatnot, but this is too much. How did Otis know that Paul drove by Hitsville before killing himself? Or that David was at a crack-house, therefore missing the reunion show? His character narrates some of these scenes as if he was a fly on the wall while they were happening. There are a few scenes like this, which just SCREAMS 'bulls_*t'.
I find it basically deplorable that he would slant everything in his favor like this. I find a lot of what's portrayed here hard to believe. As far as him being the anchor of the group; he never sang lead in a song, he was always backup singing and wasn't even that great a dancer. Yet HE calls ALL of the shots and doesn't fall victim to ANY of the pressures of show business (minus adultery)?? Insanity. With all of that said, the acting was brilliant; Leon and Christian Payton especially.
The Temptations' influence on music and inner turmoil alone makes for an intriguing story for a film. Unfortunately for us, we can only get one side of the story, and I for one refuse to swallow this pill; as it just reeks of inaccuracies and self-serving fluff by Otis Williams.
5/10
The other people involved in this story, including Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, and Paul Williams, obviously can't defend themselves or tell their side of the story; so anything shown here has to be taken with a grain of salt. Otis comes off as a complete saint. Oh, okay.....so he cheated on his wife; compared to everybody else's problems that's nothing. Not to trivialize adultery one bit, the image being portrayed here about him being the glue that kept the group together, and him being the level head throughout....I could not help but be VERY skeptical about what I was seeing. I must say that it left a pretty bad taste in my mouth. I know everything about "artistic license" and whatnot, but this is too much. How did Otis know that Paul drove by Hitsville before killing himself? Or that David was at a crack-house, therefore missing the reunion show? His character narrates some of these scenes as if he was a fly on the wall while they were happening. There are a few scenes like this, which just SCREAMS 'bulls_*t'.
I find it basically deplorable that he would slant everything in his favor like this. I find a lot of what's portrayed here hard to believe. As far as him being the anchor of the group; he never sang lead in a song, he was always backup singing and wasn't even that great a dancer. Yet HE calls ALL of the shots and doesn't fall victim to ANY of the pressures of show business (minus adultery)?? Insanity. With all of that said, the acting was brilliant; Leon and Christian Payton especially.
The Temptations' influence on music and inner turmoil alone makes for an intriguing story for a film. Unfortunately for us, we can only get one side of the story, and I for one refuse to swallow this pill; as it just reeks of inaccuracies and self-serving fluff by Otis Williams.
5/10
One of the best music biopics ever made
Monika-516 June 2000
Warning: Spoilers
The Temptations movie has something so many other music group films lack - HEART. All the performances are so inspiring, and so heartbreaking. The downward spirals of Paul Williams and David Ruffin, as portrayed in the movie, have you crying right along with them. The scenes where David Ruffin is voted out of the group, and the scene where Paul Williams kills himself to the backdrop of "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" and the scene where Smokey Robinson sings at Melvin Franklin's funeral will break your heart.
But the film's not just dramatic and heartbreaking. The lively dance and singing scenes will have you smiling, tapping your feet and singing along, no doubt. Especially when their video of "My Girl" plays, and the screen fades slowly from black and white into color.
One of the best TV movies ever, as well as a great peek at one of the greatest singing groups in music history.
But the film's not just dramatic and heartbreaking. The lively dance and singing scenes will have you smiling, tapping your feet and singing along, no doubt. Especially when their video of "My Girl" plays, and the screen fades slowly from black and white into color.
One of the best TV movies ever, as well as a great peek at one of the greatest singing groups in music history.
The Greatest Movie Of All Time
tmpttngyrl22 October 2006
I love, love, love this movie. It's awesome and the actors who played the Temptations were incredible! I loved Christian Payton and Terron Brooks, and the others were great too. It's a sad movie, and also a funny one too. I know every single line of that movie, and every time I watch it, the part almost at the end when Paul kills himself makes me cry every freaking time. I just love that movie, it's my favorite. The director did a great job. I would definitely recommend this movie to everybody who loves The Temptations. I have two copies of this movie, so I have a backup if the other one gets scratched up. This movie is so good that i watch it almost every night and I still don't get bored by it, it's that good.
Great biopic
joachimokeefe13 November 2008
The TV movie story of the street-doowop to soul-superstar Temptations from 1958 to 1995 when bass singer Melvin Franklyn died. Strict historical accuracy is not what this film is about, but what is accurate is the reconstruction of the act and the music, which is what matters in a movie. The first half is full of vignettes of the (black) music biz in Detroit in the early Motown days, which is genuinely moving in a few places; and although the second half tends towards the schmaltzy, it's good to be reminded of the seminal records that the group continued to put out after David Ruffin parted company, and of the way that members of a group that big have deeper bonds than most people, including their own families. It's told from the viewpoint of Otis Williams, who is the only Temp to survive all incarnations of the group, so he naturally he tends to get an easy ride, but it does acknowledge (in the great end sequence) that the David Ruffin lineup was the best there could be. The scene where he and Eddie Kendricks sing to the punter in the supper club is a killer. Well worth the two-and a half hours running time, which is not something you can say of many TV movies this long. Better IMHO than 'Walk the Line', which was no turkey itself. If you love Motown, don't miss it.
Absolutely Wonderful!!
mimiybyazphil18 May 2020
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh Momma!!!!!!!!!!!!
vaslimjr19808 November 2005
Temptations Forever!!! I watch this movie everyday when I come home from work. I did "Just My Imagination" at karaoke night one night and it was great. If anyone has this movie on VHS, pawn it because its missing some scenes that are in the DVD. (Like Christian a.k.a Paul Williams singing "For Once In My Life" my favorite song that I singed at my wedding.) The chick that played Paul's wife is Diana Ross's real life daughter. Check out the resemblance. Another thing, I heard it was some confusion about the way David Ruffin died. Unlike the movie, I read somewhere that he died of an drug overdose and not beating and thrown from a limo. Other than that, its considered in my book one of the greatest music movies of all time. TEMPTATIONS FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!
Great Movie!
Gracie277313 February 2001
This was one of the best, yet one of the most depressing movies I have ever seen. I am a big fan of the Temptations, so it was interesting to see what their lives were really like. All of the actors did an outstanding job. Especially Terron Brooks. What a cutie!
Small Masterpiece
CBarb706546 August 2012
I did not have TV, so I rented movies, and found this TV mini-series at a used media outlet. I have watched it over 20 times over a 5 year period. I felt alone in my obsession until I checked online for other reviews. The music makes my heart feel glad, and the acting and special tone of the relationships and cadence of the speech pleases me no end. I read everything you can find on the Tempts. They were a favorite in college, lying on my dorm bed with earphones on -- however, the mini-series which honors the music, dancing, and stage appearances has earned, in my heart, top honors. If a famous actor had been in it, it would have won an Academy Award. And probably not been as good as it is. Congratulations to everyone involved.
My favorite movie out of all the rest...
xkursionz15 January 2001
"The Temptations" is my favorite movie. It made me fall in love with The Temptations, and made me very interested in their music. It contained scenes that were devastating, heart-warming, as well as joyful and cool. Two thumbs up goes for this movie, absolutely the best movie on behalf of my opinion.. Go watch it!!
this is an excellent film.an instant classic.
marz196630 August 1999
I have not been so emotionally involved in a television film in a long time,but along comes this charming,insightful,and wonderful film. The cast does a superb job. I never knew much about the temps, one of the greatest groups of all time, had so much strife and personal pain.This movie is an instant classic. I have a much better appreciation for their impact on rock and roll history after seeing this movie.
Brilliant and quite a moving film
david-byrne25 June 2005
This film is one of the best. It is a movie on The Temptations featuring most of their big hits that are seamlessly integrated into the drama. I have seen it four times and undoubtedly will see it again. The actors who played the Temptation members were quite extraordinary in their accurate performances. Rather than just a mini-series, the film could have been released in cinemas in a condensed version and it would have been a major success in Australia at least. I don't understand why it was not. Unfortunately, the DVD was never released in Australia, so I had to import it from the USA. The film is quite long, so it might be best viewed over two nights. Be warned there are one or two minor scenes of drug use in the film. Overall, highly recommended. I loved it.
Love the Temptaions
nicholls_les6 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Like a previous writer I too found this film by accident, watching late night TV one night and it came on and I was hooked. Imagine my delight when I saw it for sale for 99p in a bargain basket. Terron Brooks(Eddie Kendricks), DB Woodside (Melvin Franklin), Charles Malik Whitfield(Otis Williams), Christian Payton(Paul Williams), and Leon(David Ruffin) all did amazing job acting as the temptations, especially Leon as David Ruffin, the likenesses were really good and they did a really good job when performing the Temptations hits.
Although I did think that DB Woodside (Melvin Franklin), Charles Malik Whitfield (Otis Williams) should have swapped roles.
I love the Temptations music in all its incarnations. It is a shame that the film had such a slant towards Otis, but then it was based on his book so I guess that was bound to happen. However the real truth about Paul Williams death seems suspicious and suicide was probably unlikely.
I would have loved to have seen more Motown stars featured, where was Stevie Wonder? Also those Motown artist that were shown there seemed to have been little if any effort to make them at least look like who they were playing.
The Supremes were nothing like the real ones, nor was Marvin Gaye.
However this is still one of the best music biopics and the music of the Temptations will live on through this movie and introduce others to their great songs, and for that reason this film is a must for any fan.
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